A source told MirrorSport: “There was a long line of people who were ready to punch Berahino.

“As a pro when you make a critical mistake you hold your hands up.

“But Berahino didn't and it is typical of his cocky attitude around the place.

(Photo: Steve Bardens)

“The senior pros at West Brom love the club and it is their living at stake when you consider the possible consequences of relegation.”

Berahino only later finally apologised via Twitter on Saturday evening.

That also did not go down well among his older team-mates, who felt it was designed to head off external criticism from Match Of The Day.

Albion's sporting and technical director, Richard Garlick has since held talks this week with the players to resolve the row, but there remains growing resentment towards Berahino who has only started four League games since signing a new deal which increased his £850-a-week salary to £15,000-a-week.

The bad feeling is a major headache for Mel battling to save his side from the drop ahead of Saturday's trip to Norwich after only one win in 10 games.

However, while it was reported Berahino was considering taking the matter further, in a statement released on the club's website on Wednesday evening, he said: “I am not taking legal action against any team-mate. I am only focussing on Saturday’s game at Norwich.”

Garlick added: “As we stated on Tuesday, the Club has drawn a line under the matter. We have seven important games coming up and Saido, along with the rest of the squad, has a big part to play in them.”